Regional and local blues bands provide outdoor free concerts in Quincy's historic Washington Park. Concerts are held from 5-9:30pm and food from local venders is typically available. Dates of concerts: June 12 June 26 July 10 July 24 August 14 August 28 September 11 Bring a chair!

Celebrating Quincy's German heritage and history. Oktoberfest brings live music, food and specialty beers along with contests and home brewers samplings. All located in the German District between 9th -10th & York Streets. Hosted by the Quincy Rotary Club- held from 4-10pm on the 2nd Sat. in October.

The annual Christkindl Market will be held in downtown Quincy's Washington Park. Visitors can shop in heated tents featuring booths from local merchants, authentic German food and drink, activities for youth, visits with Santa and much more!

The WGEM Home & Living Show - Fall Edition brings together local residents to see the wide variety of new offerings from show vendors. Show vendors benefited from the face-to-face meetings with potential customers and by the extensive promotion surrounding this event. The Oakley Lindsay Civic Center offers the perfect setting for this upscale show featuring an audience of homeowners and potential homeowners seeking answers and products for their home, garden, and life. 10-7

The Nutcracker Ballet is a holiday tradition woven with beautiful choreography, music and a special story. Set to the lovely score by Tchaikovsky, this two act ballet begins with a young girl named Clara who receives a special gift from Herr Drosselmeyer at a Christmas Party. The nutcracker gift quickly becomes Clara’s favorite and soon transforms into a prince who invites her to join him on a special journey. The story continues through the snow, into the Land of Sweets where dancers from many lands entertain them. Is it all a dream? This will be the 15th time that the Kaiser Dance Theatre has brought the lovable ballet to local audiences. The first performance took place in 1985 and since then has become one of Quincy’s very own holiday traditions.

THE WINTER WONDERETTES takes audiences to Harper’s Hardware for their 1968 holiday party, hosted by the female singing group The Wonderettes. When Santa turns up missing, the ladies must use their talent and creative ingenuity, plus some great holiday tunes such as “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “ Run Rudolph Run,” “Winter Wonderland” and 20 other seasonal favorites, to save the festivities. This energetic and entertaining show is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.

Join us at the Art Center for ArtFest on Saturday, September 19 & 20 from 12 to 5 p.m for hands on art projects! There will be a free clay competition for kids & adults, an art exhibit scavenger hunt, a collaborative mural, live figure drawing, and demonstrations & hands on activities by local artists. quincyartcenter.org

The Quincy Five Miler is a 5.4 mile head race on the Mississippi River and Quincy Bay from Hogback Island along the Illinois Shore, through the cut and into the Quincy Bay. Utilizing the same course of the 1st Quincy Boat Race in 1872, the race will begin from the Knapheide Landing. Bring anything you can row, pedal or paddle. $25 per race www.quincy5miler.com or 503-704-2133

Quincy Preserves Fall House Tour featuring seven amazing locations: The Quincy Preserves Annual Behind Closed Doors Home Tour will take place on Saturday, October 17th, from 10 am to 4 pm. For more info visit www.quincypreserves.org

Quincy Classic Boat Show! Join us at Kessler Park! Classic boats will be making a 17 mile Mississippi River Run from Mark Twain’s home town of Hannibal, MO to Quincy, IL. FREE registration for participants - Also during the event is the self-powered boat sale and swap meet in Kesler Park. For anyone wanting to buy or sell a row boat. For more information or to register your classic boat visit www.quincyboatshow.com

Held annually at the Mendon Fairgrounds outside of Quincy, IL. 2014 dates are from July 29-Aug 4th. For more information, contact the office at 217-936-2230. The County Fair includes a carnival, grandstand events, and horse shows every day. Livestock exhibitors and domestic arts exhibits. Admission: $7 Thurs, Fri, Sun, & Tues. $10 Sat, Mon, & Wed.

Celebrating Quincy's German heritage and history. Oktoberfest brings live music, food and specialty beers along with contests and home brewers samplings. All located in the German District between 9th -10th & York Streets. Hosted by the Quincy Rotary Club- held from 4-10pm on the 2nd Sat. in October. For questions call (217)214-3700

Enjoy the bounty of Illinois Vintners at the annual Great River Grape Escape. Traditionally held the 4th weekend in September on Quincy's riverfront. New hours this year are Sat. 12-7pm and Sunday 12-5pm. Bring a lawn chair and your own cheese and crackers. Enjoy live music coupled with wine and food pairings. Free admission, tasting tickets and wine glass are available for purchase.

The 20th annual Octoberfest Parade and Field Competition will be held on Saturday, October 17th featuring marching bands and a parade will traveling west from 33rd & Maine Street at 2:00 p.m. The field competition will begin at 5:15 p.m. at the Flinn Stadium located at 44th and Maine Street. Food will be sold throughout the competition. Proceeds will benefit the music programs throughout the Quincy Public Schools. For more info call 217-224-3774

We offer a half marathon walk/run, 5K walk/run a 10K walk/run as well as a 13.1 and 55 mile bike ride. The race begins in Hamilton, Illinois, travels along the mighty Mississippi and ends in Nauvoo, Illinois at the state park. The Great River Road Run is one of the most scenic sport races in America and the proceeds benefit the Hancock County, Illinois Food Pantries.